In this paper, three trends in modern criticism of Urdu have been identified. The first trend appears to have emerged from a pessimistic view of life. It looks at life as a meaningless activity and therefore any social or cultural process or development is regarded useless. It has given expression to a sense of futility and aimlessness in life. The second trend is shaped up by a realization that due importance must be given to technical developments without undermining sociological and cultural development in human civilization. The third trend emerges from an effort to create a balance between individual freedom and society at large. Although all three trends contribute to the tradition of literary criticism, the healthiest trend is the t...